Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 10:7-16.

“You are looking at things as they are outwardly.  If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.  For even if I boast somewhat further about our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters.  For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible.”  Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.

For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves;  but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.  But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.  For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for we were the first to come even as far as you in the gospel of Christ;  not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you, so as to preach the gospel even to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another.”   2 Corinthians 10:7-16.

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From our view almost 2,000 years later, it may seem strange that Paul, who wrote so much of the New Testament, would feel the need to make such statements.

Moreover and more generally, Paul does seem to contradict his statements by immediately thereafter stating:  “But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD.  For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”   2 Corinthians 10:17-18.

I had planned for about two days to skip verses 7-16, but there continued to be a feeling in me that there is a purpose for Paul’s statements.  “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17.

So, what was the purpose of these statements by Paul, this Scripture?

What lesson can we learn?

Even though we ultimately should not boast in our self but only boast in the Lord, and even though ultimately only the Lord’s commendation means anything, we should realize and appreciate and work out of the conviction that God has apportioned a sphere of work to do.  “But we will not boast beyond our measure, but within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you.”  Verse 13.

Paul earlier stated to the Corinthians:  “What then is Apollos?  And what is Paul?  Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one.  I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.”  1 Corinthians 3:5-6.

So to speak, our sphere of work may be only to plant.  Or, our sphere of work may be only to water.  But, we should realize and appreciate and work out of the conviction that God has apportioned a sphere of work to do.

“But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.  If they were all one member, where would the body be?  But now there are many members, but one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”;  or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  1 Corinthians 12:18-21.

“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.  …

And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;”  Ephesians 4:7 and 11-12.

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord.  There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”  1 Corinthians 12:4-7.

If you have read my Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions, then you know I do not like to make personal comments about myself.  I mostly quote Scripture.  But, if Paul could take the risk and appear to boast to make a point, then I should also do so.

I have often wondered how many read my devotions.  I very rarely get comments.  Should I not promote these devotions?!  But, God leads me to just focus on writing.  This is the measure of grace given to me.  This is my sphere of work.  So to speak, I plant these devotions, and I trust God to use others to water them.

So, let us trust God.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.